At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide high-quality care and education for young children.
- Company: Join a nurturing and dynamic environment at Lancaster University Pre-School Centre.
- Benefits: Enjoy a beautiful campus, supportive community, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a vibrant team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 childcare qualification and 2 years of Early Years experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
If the answer is yes, we'd love to hear from you! As a Room Leader and key member of our dedicated and friendly team, you will take a leadership and supervisory role in ensuring high-quality care and education within your designated room.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day organisation and operation of one of our rooms, ensuring high standards of care, learning, and safeguarding are consistently achieved.
- Provide line management, supervision, coaching, and mentoring to Early Years Practitioners, students, and apprentices, supporting their professional development and performance.
- Act as a role model for best practice, supporting staff to deliver high-quality teaching, learning, and interactions in line with EYFS requirements and centre policies.
- Take responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating a high-quality curriculum that meets the individual needs of all children.
- Monitor children's progress, ensuring accurate observations and assessments, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and progression in children's development.
- Lead on maintaining a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment, ensuring safeguarding, health and safety, and welfare standards are embedded in daily practice.
- Work collaboratively within the senior team to support the continuous improvement of practice, contribute to self-evaluation processes, and implement development plans.
- Build and maintain strong, professional partnerships with families, acting as a senior point of contact for your room and supporting positive outcomes for children.
- Support the operational running of the centre, including contributing to staff deployment, ratio management, and daily room organisation.
Every day will bring opportunities to lead by example, inspire your team, and support children to thrive.
Candidate Profile
- Are you passionate about giving children the very best start in life?
- Are you an experienced Early Years professional ready to lead, motivate, and develop a team to deliver outstanding practice?
- Do you thrive in a creative, dynamic environment where imagination, play, and learning go hand in hand?
Qualifications
- Hold a full and relevant Level 3 (or above) childcare qualification.
- Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in Early Years.
- Demonstrable experience supporting or supervising staff.
- Confidence in leading practice, making professional judgments, and supporting quality improvement.
- Knowledgeable about the Early Years statutory framework, safeguarding responsibilities, and inclusive practice.
- Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Organised, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities within a busy childcare environment.
- Committed to continuous professional development for both themselves and their team.
- Positive, flexible team player who leads by example.
About the Centre
At Lancaster University Pre‑School Centre, we care for around 200 children aged 3 months to 5 years, providing a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment where children can learn, explore, and grow.
Benefits
- We're proud of our exceptional team and the positive difference we make every day.
- Fantastic facilities – see for yourself: Video Tour.
- Beautiful campus location – set in green parkland with shops, cafes, a sports centre, and even a post office on-site.
- Supportive community – from staff networks to clubs and groups, there are endless ways to connect.
- Healthy work‑life balance – Lancaster University is committed to supporting staff wellbeing.
Early Years Room Leader employer: Lancaster University
At Lancaster University Pre-School Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and wellbeing of our staff. Our beautiful campus location offers a nurturing environment, complemented by fantastic facilities and a supportive community that fosters collaboration and connection. With a strong commitment to professional development and a healthy work-life balance, we empower our Early Years Room Leaders to inspire their teams and make a meaningful impact in children's lives every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Room Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Early Years sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Room Leader role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and early years education. Think about how you can showcase your experience in managing teams and delivering high-quality care. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for early years education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've inspired your team or improved children's learning experiences. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our centre's mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Room Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see how passionate you are about giving children the best start in life, so share your experiences and what motivates you!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant qualifications and experience. We’re looking for someone with a Level 3 qualification and at least 2 years of post-qualification experience, so don’t forget to emphasise that!
Be Specific in Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, be specific about how you meet the job requirements. Talk about your leadership skills and how you've supported staff development in the past. We love seeing concrete examples!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Lancaster University Pre-School Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your EYFS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Brush up on the key principles and learning goals, as you'll likely be asked how you would implement these in your room. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these standards in your previous roles will really impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Room Leader, demonstrating your leadership abilities is crucial. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully managed a team or mentored staff. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, highlighting your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a conflict between team members or how you would support a child with special educational needs. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so don’t forget to engage with your interviewers. Prepare thoughtful questions about their approach to early years education and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the centre aligns with your values.
